CONVERT AN UNFINISHED BASEMENT INTO USABLE SPACE (WITHOUT FINISHING IT)

This is one of the easiest transformations for an unfinished basement, and here are our suggested steps for completing it:

• Thoroughly clean the basement floors and walls.
• Have gym wall mirrors installed to cover all or part of a wall.
• Use interlocking foam mats to create a softer floor.
• Bring in your exercise machines or smaller gym equipment.
• Include bins or shelves for storage.
• Add personal touches by way of wall hangings and lighting options.

This last step might seem the least essential, but it’s important for your workout space to be inviting – somewhere you actually like to be. Consider giving the space a specific palette and choosing a theme that fits with how you like to work out – ie “old school” gym or calming coastal vibe.

Of course you don’t want to send your kids to play in a gloomy basement, but it’s not hard to change a basement into a pleasant toy room. These spaces do feel a bit grim if they’re low on natural lighting, so ensuring the room has adequate light fixtures is a good first step. An improved overhead lamp or the addition of battery powered ceiling lights could solve the issue of dim lighting. 

Turned off by the concrete basement walls? As long as they’re smooth, you can paint them with chalkboard paint and give your kids walls they can draw and write on. Rachel Brougham of The Family Handyman says, “Chalkboard paint allows you to transform a wall into a family message center…or decorate a child’s bedroom or playroom to encourage creativity.” Another – and dust-free possibility – is having a wall covered with back painted glass. This is a beautiful wall covering that would cheer up the basement atmosphere, and it doubles as a dry erase marker board. 

Last but not least, make the space safer by covering the floor with foam tiles (they sell some pretty stylish ones these days) or mats. Tripping and falling on a this kind of surface would be much less epic than on bare concrete! Now you’re ready to transfer the toys from the living room or bedroom they’ve been filling into a pleasant and spacious toy room.

Because basements do tend to have little natural light, they’re already a good place to watch TV. Here are some tricks for transforming an unfinished basement into the perfect place to enjoy sports, movies, or your favorite show.

• Mount your TV on the wall or place it on a stand.
• Consider using extra speakers for a “surround sound” effect.
• Add light canceling window treatments.
• Paint the walls a dark color or use long curtains as wall coverings.
• Make the space more cozy with a big, soft area rug.
• Put in a comfy sectional or set of sofa and chairs.
• Include end tables and a coffee table where you can set your popcorn and drinks.
• Consider adding a mini-fridge and snack cupboard to eliminate trips to the kitchen.

The fact that your basement is unfinished should not be a barrier to using it as a home bar. As seen in this Houzz photo collection, industrial style home bars are on-trend and don’t have to be cold or stark. Simply embrace the concrete floors and walls, choose some other industrial style items (think metal-legged bar stools with rustic wood seats), and then add warmth through natural wood elements and cozy lighting.

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However, if bare concrete floors and walls just aren’t your thing, there are alternatives besides finishing the basement. The most obvious fix for the floor is an area rug, but if this doesn’t seem right for a bar setting, Joseph Lewitin of The Spruce points out that “a simple application floor paint can be a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to make the environment suitable for living space—especially for informal uses.” (Be sure to use an epoxy or latex paint formulated for basement floors and to carefully follow all directions and safety guidelines.) The walls can also be transformed with the appropriate paint or by covering them with peel and stick wallpaper. 

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Whether you choose to update the floor and walls or integrate the concrete into your design, the home bar can be achieved with a bar cabinet or table, stools, wood or glass wall shelves for storage, and attractive lighting. If it’s not practical to hang new light fixtures, be creative with floor lamps, a table lamp on the bar counter, stick-on LED lights, or even string lights.

Are guests borrowing your kids’ bunk beds or crashing on the couch? How about creating a fun and welcoming guest suite in your basement? Bonus points if there’s a bathroom down there, but even if not, you can give visitors a chic bedroom and seating area. Tips for success:

• Start by ensuring comfort. For example, an unfinished basement floor tends to be cold. How about covering it with black rubber sheet flooring and then topping this with plush, colorful area rugs that double as statement pieces?
• Make the walls more homey by either painting them, papering them, or simply adorning them with wall hangings and strings of lights. You can also create faux windows using mirrors and curtains, which will make the space feel less “basement-esque.”
• Feel free to furnish the space in a way that gives it lots of personality. If you’ve been wanting to experiment with a new décor trend, why not here?
• If you have a spare bed, TV, loveseat, etc., go ahead and use these rather than buying new items. Just be sure to spruce up used furniture with stylish bedclothes, accents pillows, throws, etc.